Dr. Shabana Parvez, MD, FACEP, US Bureau Chief of The Desi Buzz and founder of ArlingtonIntegrative.com, sat down for an exclusive interview with Shamime Jan, a visionary leader and founder of BollyFit Active CIC. Known for her unwavering dedication to women’s empowerment and community health, Shamime has spent over three decades creating transformative spaces for South Asian women to thrive. From her humble beginnings to building a global movement, Shamime’s journey is one of resilience, faith, and a deep commitment to uplifting others. In this candid conversation, she shares her inspiring story, the impact of BollyFit Active, and her vision for a healthier, more empowered future for women worldwide.
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Background & Personal Journey
Dr Shabana Parvez: Can you tell us about your background—your early life, education, and what led you to become a community advocate?
Shamime Jan: I came to the UK with my family at the age of seven. My upbringing was filled with tradition, love, and discipline, which shaped my strong values. From an early age, I was inspired by the sense of community, watching my mother and older sisters welcome local Pakistani women into our home. I witnessed their laughter, tears, and heartfelt conversations, which sparked my passion for community work.
My parents, concerned about mixed environments and societal influences, did not allow me to pursue college education. Instead, I stayed home, supporting my siblings by caring for their young children and building close bonds with my family. At 21, when given the choice to study or work, I chose to join HMRC as a Revenue Assistant, marking the start of my professional journey.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You have dedicated over 30 years to community leadership and women’s empowerment. What inspired you to take this path, and what keeps you motivated?
Shamime Jan: My faith has always been my guiding light, inspiring me to support others, help them better their lives, and remind them of their true potential. At 26, I found my ultimate role model in the Prophet Muhammad (SAW). His compassion, care, and dedication to the betterment of humanity resonated deeply with me, and I have since strived to serve the Ummah with sincerity and love.
Every initiative I have undertaken—whether as a driving instructor, body shop representative, Herbalife distributor, BollyFit coach, or founder of BollyFit Active CIC—has been driven by my vision to uplift women and their families. The biggest challenge has been helping others see and share my vision, but my ability to identify community challenges and build meaningful solutions has enabled me to attract people to my cause.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Faith plays a significant role in your journey. How has your Deen (faith) influenced your work and the way you serve the community?
Shamime Jan: My faith has been the cornerstone of my work. It has taught me compassion, resilience, and the importance of serving others. The teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (SAW) have inspired me to create initiatives that not only address physical health but also nurture emotional and spiritual well-being.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What challenges did you face when starting BollyFit Active CIC, and how did you overcome them?
Shamime Jan: BollyFit was born 10 years ago during a difficult period in my life, following a traumatic and abusive marriage. Movement became my therapy, but I found that existing fitness options were not suitable—women-only gyms were not strictly private, and programs like Zumba lacked the cultural connection I needed. Recognizing a gap, I created BollyFit as a space for cultural dance, friendship, laughter, and meaningful connection.
In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted severe health inequalities, particularly among Pakistani communities in Manchester. Reports like the “Bibi/Begum syndrome,” which highlighted how South Asian women’s health concerns were often dismissed, pushed me to expand BollyFit into BollyFit Active CIC. I wanted to ensure that our work could continue to support women’s health even beyond my lifetime.
BollyFit Active & Health Initiatives
Dr Shabana Parvez: Can you share the story behind BollyFit Active? How did it evolve from an idea into a thriving social enterprise?
Shamime Jan: BollyFit Active evolved from a personal need for a culturally relevant fitness space. It started as a small initiative to help women like me find joy and healing through movement. Over time, it grew into a thriving social enterprise, addressing broader health issues like diabetes prevention, mental health, and professional empowerment for women.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your BollyFit Active Weight Loss Challenges have been a game-changer for many South Asian women. What makes them unique, and what impact have they had so far?
Shamime Jan: Our BollyFit Active Weight Loss Challenges provide South Asian and other women with safe, supportive spaces where they learn to build healthy lifestyles beyond dieting. We focus on fat loss, nutritional education, and creating a supportive environment led by coaches from their own communities who understand their cultural and dietary needs.
Dr Shabana Parvez: The BollyFit Active Trainers Programme is an incredible initiative. How does it empower women professionally, and what success stories can you share?
Shamime Jan: As soon as BollyFit Active CIC was established, I knew we needed accreditation as a fitness “train the trainer” provider. There were no women-only fitness training spaces for Muslim women, and we filled that gap. Today, we train participants to become coaches, inspiring others and expanding our impact.
Dr Shabana Parvez: South Asian communities have a high prevalence of diabetes. How has your Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes Prevention Programme made a difference, and what more needs to be done?
Shamime Jan: South Asian communities face a high prevalence of diabetes, and our Diabetes/Pre-Diabetes Prevention Programme has made a significant difference by addressing this issue through culturally tailored education and support. We provide women with knowledge about nutrition, the importance of physical activity, and how lifestyle changes can prevent or manage diabetes.
While we have made an impact, more needs to be done. We need continued investment in community-led health programs, more collaboration with healthcare providers, and wider accessibility to preventive health education, especially for younger generations.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You launched Trauma Circles to provide culturally tailored mental health support. What gaps in mental health care do you see in South Asian communities, and how does your program address them?
Shamime Jan: Stigma around mental health often prevents South Asian women from seeking help. Additionally, there is a lack of culturally tailored support, with many services not understanding the unique challenges faced by these women, such as cultural pressures, family expectations, and language barriers.
Trauma Circles address these gaps by providing a safe, culturally sensitive space where women feel understood and supported. We focus on mental well-being through peer support, shared experiences, and professional guidance tailored to South Asian cultural contexts.
Community Leadership & Advocacy
Dr Shabana Parvez: Your role in recruiting and leading volunteers has been impactful. What have been some of the most rewarding moments in your community work?
Shamime Jan: Witnessing the personal transformations of women who found confidence, health, and purpose through BollyFit Active has been incredibly rewarding. Seeing volunteers grow into leaders within their own right and hearing how BollyFit Active has changed lives—from improved mental health to better relationships—are moments I cherish.
Dr Shabana Parvez: As Chairperson of the Pakistani Sounding Board, you advocate for diversity and inclusion in policymaking. What key changes would you like to see in public health policies for South Asian women?
Shamime Jan: I would like to see greater cultural sensitivity in healthcare services, especially around language, dietary needs, and gender preferences in medical care. Policies should address the unique health challenges faced by South Asian women, including diabetes, mental health, and postpartum care. Increased funding for community-led health initiatives is also essential.
Dr Shabana Parvez: What advice would you give to young women who aspire to become leaders in their communities?
Shamime Jan: Stay true to your values and never compromise on your principles. Seek knowledge constantly and be open to learning from every experience. Build a strong support system and don’t be afraid to ask for help. Lead with compassion, and always remember that true leadership is about serving others.
Media, Public Speaking & Recognition
Dr Shabana Parvez: You’ve been featured on BBC Radio Manchester and have spoken at major events. How do you use media as a tool for advocacy and change?
Shamime Jan: Media is a powerful tool to amplify voices that are often unheard, especially those of South Asian women. I use platforms like BBC Radio Manchester and public events to highlight health inequalities, share success stories, and inspire change. Social media helps me connect with the community daily, providing support, information, and encouragement.
Dr Shabana Parvez: You have received numerous awards and recognitions for your work. Which recognition has meant the most to you, and why?
Shamime Jan: Every award is special, but the most meaningful are those that come from the community itself—when women express their gratitude or share how BollyFit Active has impacted their lives. Being recognized for my contributions to women’s health and empowerment reassures me that my work is making a difference.
Dr Shabana Parvez: If you could highlight one success story from your journey that truly defines the impact of your work, what would it be?
One participant joined BollyFit Active during a very low point in her life due to health issues and personal struggles. She not only transformed her health but also became one of our trainers, now inspiring others with her journey. Her story reflects the essence of BollyFit Active: healing, growth, and empowerment through community support.
Future Goals & Legacy
Dr Shabana Parvez: What’s next for BollyFit Active? Are there any new initiatives or collaborations in the pipeline?
Shamime Jan: The future of BollyFit Active is filled with ambition and hope. I aim to expand our presence to more cities across the UK and internationally, making BollyFit Active fitness sessions accessible to women worldwide—regardless of race, color, or religion. We plan to host annual BollyFit Active conferences and fitness parties both nationally and internationally.
Dr Shabana Parvez: How do you hope to see your legacy grow in the next 10 years?
Shamime Jan: In 10 years, I hope BollyFit Active CIC will be a self-sustaining organization that continues to support and uplift women globally. I want to see a network of trained female coaches leading their communities and BollyFit Active becoming a recognized voice in public health, advocating for the well-being of South Asian women and beyond.
Dr Shabana Parvez: Finally, what message do you have for women who are struggling to find their purpose or voice in their communities?
Shamime Jan: My message to women struggling to find their purpose is simple: your voice matters, and your story is important. Don’t let fear hold you back—every step forward counts. Surround yourself with people who uplift you and believe in your strength and potential.
